Great Hearts Academies - Chandler Prep

We had a really good experience with the Kyrene District elementary program but found their middle school system lacking in many areas. That is when after much research I choose Chandler Preparatory Academy for my children to attend both middle school and high school. We have been a CPA family for over 4 years. Both children transitioned very well from public school to the Great Hearts culture. It only took about a week for them to get used to the uniforms. I feel that the stricter dress code and limitations on personal electronics helps my children to focus in the classroom and develop better relationships with their teachers and peers. Both children quickly found very positive and encouraging friend groups. We have had no issues with bulling or harassment. Attending CPA through COVID was a godsend as the entire Great Hearts operation was dedicated to getting children safely back into the classroom. Where last year my children were able to attend school in person for 90 of the school year, my neighborhood high school was online for three quarters. I am very satisfied on how CPA mitigated COVID and continues to provide in person education in a post pandemic world.

I find the student body to be diverse and vibrant with students from all different backgrounds. There is a high participation of parent involvement. School pride is evident by the cleanliness and orderly nature of the school grounds. Teachers are highly assessable to both students and parents. Each teacher/class offers weekly tutoring hours. Students also have time after lunch to study, attend tutoring, or get some fresh air on the field. There is a robust mentoring program for new students as well as student lead tutoring programs for math and science above what the teachers offer. My children have very different learning styles where school comes easy for one while the other struggles. Through the CPA ESS program, my youngest gets additional support that helps her be successful with the more rigorous curriculum. I do feel that she would have “gotten lost in the shuffle” at Kyrene Middle School but at CPA she gets the support and encouragement she needs to make learning a positive experience.

This school focuses on a classical liberal arts curriculum that not only cultivates the hearts and minds of students in the pursuit of Truth, Beauty and Goodness, but also graduates student leaders that are prepared for success at the college level. The school produces a very well rounded student and encourages, through CPA programs, to participate in athletics, music, art, mentorship, and community service.

The Great Hearts school system offers transparency on their budgets, fundraising, and operations, which goes to show that the school motto of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness starts at the very top of the organization. You owe it to your children to consider CPA for their secondary education. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions about CPA.

Very demanding curriculum for serious students. Classical education based on the Socratic method. Lots of discussion at very high levels. Tons of homework. Off-the-charts standardized test scores, though the school doesn't "teach to the test." Students tend to be very self-motivated. Teachers are ridiculously highly-qualified and their work shows it. Social environment is much more mature and less status-driven than other middle / high schools, with intelligence, curiosity, achivement, and creativity being valued above income or imagined social positioning. Students are much less confrontational and much more cooperational with adults than in "regular" middle / high schools. College placement reads like a who's who of top universities. Other than not offering physical education, CPA is at the top of the list of middle and high schools in Arizona.